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Definition

A prostatic urethral lift is done to lift and separate prostate tissue. It can help to improve the flow of urine. Prostate tissue is not removed or destroyed.

Reasons for Procedure

A prostatic urethral lift is done to treat enlarged prostate, also known as BPH.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland at the neck of the bladder. It surrounds the tube that carries urine outside of the body. An enlarged prostate can squeeze the tube. It will make it hard for urine to pass. Most people will be able to pass urine easily right after the procedure.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review problems that may happen such as:

  • Infection
  • Burning pelvic pain
  • Pain passing urine
  • Reaction to anesthesia, such as light-headedness and wheezing

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about things that can increase your risk of complications such as:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking
  • Chronic disease such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will review previous tests. Before the procedure:

  • You may need to stop some medicine. Talk to your doctor before the procedure about all medicine you are taking. This includes over-the-counter medicine and supplements.
  • You may be given antibiotics. It will help to stop a urinary tract infection.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia will be used. It will numb the area, but you will be awake.

You may also be given a sedative to help you relax.

Description of the Procedure

A thin tube will be passed through the urethra to the prostate area. A camera at the tip of the tube will send images to a screen in the room. This will help your doctor locate the correct area. A special tool will be sent through the tube. The tool places implants around the prostate. The implants squeeze the prostate tissue. This will open the pathway for urine. The tool and tube will be removed when the implants are in place.

How Long Will It Take?

30 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. Some may have discomfort after the procedure. Medicine can help to manage discomfort.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

The care team will let you rest. Pain medicine may be given.

At Home

You should notice improved urine flow. It will take some time for the area to heal. Strenuous activity will need to be avoided for 1 week. This includes sexual activity.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Pain or burning when passing urine
  • Pain that does not get better with the medications you have been given
  • Discharge that is thick, yellow, green, or milky
  • Stones appear in urine

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians  https://www.familydoctor.org 

Urology Care Foundation  https://www.urologyhealth.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Urological Association  https://www.cua.org 

Health Canada  https://www.canada.ca 

References

About your procedure: UroLift. UW Medicine website. Available at: https://healthonline.washington.edu/document/health%5Fonline/pdf/About-Your-Procedure-UroLift.pdf. Accessed March 15, 2020.

Exploring UroLift, a new minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/2016/09/exploring-urolift-new-minimally-invasive-treatment-enlarged-prostate/. Accessed March 15, 2020.

Jones P, Rai B, et al. UroLift: a new minimally-invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Ther Adv Urol. 2016 Dec;8(6):372-376. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5117169/. Accessed March 15, 2020.

Prostatic urethral lift procedure (UroLift system). Bladder and Bowel Community website. Available at: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/surgical-treatment/prostatic-urethral-lift-procedure-urolift-system/. Accessed March 15, 2020.

UroLift for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). UCLA Health website. Available at: http://urology.ucla.edu/urolift. Accessed March 15, 2020.

What is the UroLift system? UroLift website. Available at: https://urolift.com/urolift-system/. Accessed March 15, 2020.

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